I just bought the car at a bank auction and when I try to start it, it tries to start but then keeps turning over.I put a new fuel pump in today, not the problem. When I turn the key on nothing comes on until I start turning the switch to the start position. Then the inst. panel starts working. I checked and it is getting fire. When you turn the key off and then try to start it, it will hit, but not start. It does this everytime.Any help would be great..Thanks

 

I wonder if the key needs to be reprogrammed. I think that there is an immobilizer on the 98+ accords that needs to recognize the key to start the car. It is basically an anti-theft device.

If you have the owners manual, there may be some information in there about it. Also do some searching on google on how to reset the system.

The alternative is the ignition switch is shot. There are continuity tests that you would need to do to determine if the switch is faulty.

 

Yes, 1998 did have an immobilizer. But that will not prevent the accessories, radio, etc. from working in the first key position.

Look in the owner's manual. Something about the little green key-shaped warning lamp & how it flashes to indicate an invalid key.

But the problem sounds like a bad ignition switch to me.